Multiblade ventilator



United States Patent Inventors Tsunehlkolehisaka No. 61, l-ehome, Tamagawa-Nakamaehi Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Mineiehi Akaishi, No. 3148, Z-chome, Hirosawa-cho, Kiryu, both of Japan Appl. No. 887,889 Filed Dec. 24, 1969 Patented Dec. 21, 1971 MULTIBLADE VENTILATOR 7 Claims, 21 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl 416/187 Int. Cl F04d 29/26 Field of Search...

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,915,239 12/1959 Borkat 416/184 3,008,630 11/1961 Storrs 416/187 3,010,187 11/1961 Glasson 416/187 Primary Examiner-Meyer Perlin Attorney-Holman & Stern ABSTRACT: A multiblade ventilator in which a metal plate is stamped to provide a structure having blade elements in the center thereof, coupling portions at both sides of each blade element for coupling the blade elements and projected portions exteriorly of the coupling portions for securely supporting the blade elements. The coupling portions are bent to narrow the distance between adjoining blade elements so that a plurality of blade elements may be arranged in sidc-by-side relationship within a certain given diameter PATENTED BEBZI Em SHEET 1 OF 5 PATENTED UECZI I97] SHEET 3 OF 5 MULTIBLADE VENTILATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to improvements in a multiblade ventilator popularly known by the name of Sirocco fan.

The so-called Sirocco fan of conventional type, in which a plurality of parallel blade elements are disposed inclined at a certain predetermined angle and assembled in a circular configuration, may be classified generally into two types. One is a type in which a plate piece such as an iron or plastic plate having a fixed width and length is subjected to a stamping die to form a plurality of stamped blade elements continuously arranged, and the thus formed blade elements are then assembled in a circular shape. The other type is one in which the blade elements are formed one by one in a stamping operation and the formed blade elements are then assembled together with a retaining ring frame. In the first type, the manufacturing process is simplified to a certain extent since a required number of blade elements is formed simultaneously in one press operation and immediately made into a circular assembly. However, in a Sirocco fan having a fixed diameter, the width and the number of the blade elements are necessarily determined by the number of the stamped elements, so that the compressive area of the blade elements is substantially fixed, and therefore the amount of air blown is also substantially fixed and cannot be increased over a certain range. While the second type, has various advantages such that the assembly can be framed by selectively combining the individual blade elements having a large area even if the outer diameter and height of the assembly and the number of the blade elements are fixed, it is objectionable in that the assembling operation requires much trouble and labor since the blade elements are prepared singly and must be combined one by one. This point is the greatest difficulty, and for this reason, this type lacks rationality in production. Also, there is a wide fluctuation in the assembly work, and consequently, this type is not suited for mass production.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to provide a ventilator which eliminates the above defects and realizes a most rational Sirocco fan which possesses high stability, capable of increasing the amount of air blown as compared with the conventional devices, extremely simple in assemblage, suitable for mass production and economical.

More specifically, the present multiblade ventilator comprises a metal plate having blade elements provided in the center thereof, portions at both sides of each blade element for coupling the blade elements and projected portions located exteriorly of the coupling portions with the projected portions serving to support securely the blade elements, the projected portions being bent in one direction at a proper angle, the coupling portions between the blade elements being bent to narrow the distance between each adjoining blade element whereby a plurality of blade elements are arranged in side by side relationship within a certain given diameter, said coupling and projected portions being assembled together, and a ringlike frame located thereabout for securing the blade elements in position.

The character, details and utility of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description and annexed drawings of preferred embodiments in which like components bear the same reference numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a view in longitudinal section,

FIG. 3 is an expanded plan view of a part of a blade assembly stamped during the manufacturing process,

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the connecting portions of the blade elements of FIG. 3 being bent and the blade elements extending upwardly at an angle,

FIG. 5 is a view in side elevation of the arrangement shown in FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a single blade element of a further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 is an expanded plan view of the blade elements illustrated in FIG. 7 coupled together,

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 6 of yet another embodiment,

FIG. 10 is an expanded plan view of a further modification of the invention,

FIG. 1 l is a plan view of the coupler element,

FIGS. 12 and l2e are fragmentary plan views of different coupler elements,

FIG. 13 is an expanded plan view of another modification,

FIG. 14 is a view in longitudinal section of an assembled structure,

- FIG. 15 is an expanded plan view of a modification of the arrangement disclosed in FIG. 13, and

FIG. 16 is a view in longitudinal section of an assembled structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 5 showing a first embodiment of the present invention, a sheet of metal plate having suitable dimensions is subjected to a stamping operation by means of a die to form a stamped out pattern, such as shown in FIG. 3. The pattern comprises a plurality of blade elements 1 formed in the center thereof, coupling portions 2 integral with both sides of each blade element, and projected portions 3 located outside of the coupling portions 2 for supporting the blade elements. For forming such article into a desired multiblade ventilator assembly, first the blade elements 1 are curved in a circular path and suitably directed upwardly at an angle dependent upon the conditions and the amount of air to be admitted therethrough, and thereafter the coupling portions 2 are bent downwardly as shown in FIG. 5 to narrow the distance between each adjoining blade elements 1, with the blade elements being arranged orderly in a juxtaposed relation such as to allow an increase of the predetermined amount of air blown within a certain given diameter. The coupling portions 2 may be bent upwardly to obtain the same effect. Then, the distance between each adjoining blade element, or the pitch, is suitably adjusted according to the degree of bend of the coupling portions, and the coupling portions 3 on both sides are bent substantially perpendicular to the blade elements 1. Both tapered ends of each projected portion 3 are engaged in a compressing fashion with those of the adjoining ones and the assembly is generally of circular form. A ring frame 4 is defined by a pair of annular elements 4 and the annular elements receive the coupling portions 3 to secure the blade elements I in position and the coupling portions 3 may be welded together, and the excess material cut off. Any unsightliness which may result from such operation may be concealed by the ring frame 4 which is mounted around the coupling portions.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, an assembly of blade elements 1a and projected portions 3a formed integrally on both sides of each said blade element are welded to the elongated strips of the coupling elements 2a so that the blade elements are arranged orderly in a juxtaposed relation. Then, the coupling elements 2a are bent so that the whole assembly presents a circular configuration similar to that in FIGS. 1-5.

In still another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a unitary structure comprises an integral formation defined by a blade element 1b, coupling portions 2b on both sides and projected portions 3b at the ends thereof. A plurality of such structures is provided and the edges of the coupling portions 2b of each structure are spot-welded to those of the adjoining structures as shown in FIG. 8, and the assembly is curved in a circular path in the same manner as previously described. The coupling of the coupling portions may be effected by using an adhesive in lieu of spot welding.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, each coupling portion 20 formed integrally at each side of the blade element along with a projected portion 30 has formed at one end thereof a dovetail shot 6 and at the other end thereof a complementary shaped projection 7 for fitting in the slot 6. A plurality of such structures are welded together. In FIG. 10 is shown a modified form in which separate coupling pieces 2, such as shown in FIG. 1 1, are interposed between the coupling portions 2a. Each coupling piece 2' is, therefore, formed with a dovetail slot 6' and a complementary shaped projection 7'. The shape of each slot 6 may be of other configurations, such as circular, T-shaped or hook-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 12, 12b and 12d, and may be selected optionally as desired.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, small projections 8 are formed integrally at both edges of each blade element 1e and these projections are fitted into annular grooves 9 formed in the ring frame 4e so as to protect the blade elements against deformation upon being subjected to strong wind pres sure. The blade elements may be coupled integrally as shown in FIG. 1 or connected together by using the elongated stripshaped coupling elements illustrated in FIG. 6.

It is also possible to provide recesses 10, in lieu of the projections 8, and annular projections 11 on the ring frame fit into the recesses, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

Thus, according to the present invention in which the manufacturing process is completely different from those for producing the conventional devices, the blade elements are coupled together through coupling portions of coupling pieces and the coupling portions are bent to suitably narrow the distance between adjoining blade elements. Therefore, although the blade elements and the coupling elements are stamped at equal intervals, the distance between each adjoining blade element can be narrowed by shortening the coupling elements, so that the blade elements in an assembly can be increased in number to allow an increase of the amount of air blown. It is thus possible, with a small mechanism, to obtain a large amount of blown air which, conventionally could not be obtained other than by a large-sized machine. The amount of air blown may be further elevated by increasing the number of blade elements within a certain given diameter.

We claim:

1. A multiblade ventilator in which a metal plate is subjected to stamping in a die to form a stamped structure, comprising blade elements provided in the center thereof, said blade elements having long sides and short sides, coupling portions at both short sides of each blade element for coupling said blade elements, and projected portions of both sides located exteriorly of said coupling portions, said projected portions securely supporting said blade elements; said projected portions being bent in one direction at a suitable angle and the coupling portions between the blade elements being bent to narrow the distance between each adjoining blade element so that a plurality of blade elements may be arranged in side-by-side relationship within a certain given diameter, said coupling and projected portions at both sides of the blade elements being assembled together, and a ring frame defined by a pair of annular elements, with each annular element receiving the projected portion of one short side to secure the blade elements in position, and one of said elements having small projections and the other of said elements having recesses for receiving the projections to further secure the blade elements into position and prevent deformation of the blade elements.

2. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim 1, in which the blade elements are individually formed in the stamping operation and the blade elements are coupled together in succession by means of coupling elements.

3. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim 1, in which the blade elements have coupling elements integrally provided therefor and said elements, during stamping, having their intervals shortened and said blade elements being intercon nected into a finished assembly.

4. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim 1, in which the blade elements have their length shortened and the blade elements being connected together into an inte r al assembly.

5. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in c arm 1 In which the blade elements are individually formed in the stamping operation and arranged in narrowed relationship and coupled together to constitute an integral assembly.

6. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim 1, in which said projections are provided on each short side of the blade elements and said recesses are provided on said annular elements.

7. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim I, in which a recess is provided in each short side of each blade element and the projection is provided on each annular element.

UNITED STATES mime @FHCE (IERTEFICATE @F CQRREQTWN Patent No. 31628 I887 Dated 21 December 1971 Inventm-(s) Tsunehiko UCH ISAKA et a1.

It is certified that error appears inthe above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

The inventor's last name is misspelled and should be UCHISAKA' Signed and sealed this 26th day of June 1975 [SEAL] A'C'CGS't 3 EDWARD M.FLETCHEYR',JR.I ROBERT'GOTTSCHA'LK Attesting Officer v Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-1050 (10-69) USCOMM'DC 60376-1 69 U.S, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1969 0366334 

1. A multiblade ventilator in which a metal plate is subjected to stamping in a die to form a stamped structure, comprising blade elements provided in the center thereof, said blade elements having long sides and short sides, coupling portions at both short sides of each blade element for coupling said blade elements, and projected portions of both sides located exteriorly of said coupling portions, said projected portions securely supporting said blade elements; said projected portions being bent in one direction at a suitable angle and the coupling portions between the blAde elements being bent to narrow the distance between each adjoining blade element so that a plurality of blade elements may be arranged in side-by-side relationship within a certain given diameter, said coupling and projected portions at both sides of the blade elements being assembled together, and a ring frame defined by a pair of annular elements, with each annular element receiving the projected portion of one short side to secure the blade elements in position, and one of said elements having small projections and the other of said elements having recesses for receiving the projections to further secure the blade elements into position and prevent deformation of the blade elements.
 2. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim 1, in which the blade elements are individually formed in the stamping operation and the blade elements are coupled together in succession by means of coupling elements.
 3. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim 1, in which the blade elements have coupling elements integrally provided therefor and said elements, during stamping, having their intervals shortened and said blade elements being interconnected into a finished assembly.
 4. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim 1, in which the blade elements have their length shortened and the blade elements being connected together into an integral assembly.
 5. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim 1 in which the blade elements are individually formed in the stamping operation and arranged in narrowed relationship and coupled together to constitute an integral assembly.
 6. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim 1, in which said projections are provided on each short side of the blade elements and said recesses are provided on said annular elements.
 7. The multiblade ventilator as claimed in claim 1, in which a recess is provided in each short side of each blade element and the projection is provided on each annular element. 